07 Explorer Instrument Cluster - Unique Situation - Any Help Is Greatly Appreciated

[dcwehling]

I have a nagging issue with the instrument cluster on my 2007 Explorer XLT. First, a little background: I am a DIY and have successfully rebuilt a number of wrecked vehicles over the years for my personal use. I decided to try my hand at a flooded '07 Explorer XLT, and have actually had a good experience generally speaking, with the exception of a couple remaining issues. After about 2 months of work in the evenings and weekends, the vehicle runs great and is a daily driver for my wife. The specific issue I have at this point is this: the readout on the instrument cluster has been failing, so I purchased a replacement one (same part #, etc.). I had heard rumor that it would need to be programmed for my specific vehicle upon installation, or the vehicle would not run. I have found this to be accurate, as yesterday, upon installing the new instrument cluster, the vehicle would not start. In putting the old one back in, it started immediately. Does anyone have experience with reprogramming, coding, or reseting the computer on these new Explorers, or know anything about how to get the vehicle to accept the new part?

[V8Limited]

You need to take it to the dealer to have the old info (milage) transferred to the new cluster. Unless you have access to a Ford scan tool there is NO way around it. Here is an excerpt from the Ford Repair Manual:


Removal

NOTE: Prior to removal of the instrument cluster (IC), it is necessary to download the instrument cluster (IC) configuration information to the scan tool. For additional information, refer to Section 418-01 .

Depower the supplemental restraint system (SRS). For additional information, refer to Section 501-20B .
Lower the tilt steering column to the lowest position.
Remove the instrument cluster (IC) finish panel. For additional information, refer to Section 501-12 .
Remove the 4 screws and the instrument cluster (IC).
Disconnect the electrical connector.
Installation

To install, reverse the removal procedure.
Following installation of the instrument cluster (IC), download the module configuration information and the vehicle identification number (VIN) from the scan tool into the new instrument cluster (IC). For additional information, refer to Section 418-01 .
NOTE: If the instrument cluster (IC) is installed new, updated, or re-configured, the instrument cluster (IC) requires a parameter reset to allow the instrument cluster (IC) and the powertrain control module (PCM) to recognize the passive anti-theft system (PATS) keys. Failure to carry out the parameter reset to the instrument cluster (IC) may result in a no start condition.

Carry out the parameter reset and key programming procedure. For additional information, refer to Section 419-01

[dcwehling]

V8Limited,

Thank you very much for this information. I had a wonderful experience with Rusty Eck Ford in Wichita, KS, and they successfully installed the new cluster and transferred everything - so nice to have functioning cluster now. Again, thank you for your help!